Previously known as the Swamp Reserve, after input from Council, and years of careful improvements, this wetland on the edge of town received a new name, the Macalister Wetland Reserve, with the thinking that more people would be inclined to visit a wetland rather than a swamp! Anyway the name is of no consequence to the bird-life which has utilised this important small refuge as the seasons have come and gone.
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As noted in a previous post it is drying rapidly, due to the drought conditions this part of Gippsland has been experiencing, and the shallow water and mudflats are being enthusiastically worked over by a range of birds, as the following photos illustrate.
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Spotted and Spotless Crakes are being regularly seen in unusual numbers.
Both spoonbill species are in residence, here are royals, one with breeding plumes.
With a lot of the bird species keeping to the far side of the water out of effective camera range, these images were taken at the wetland at other times, Great Egret.
Several Nankeen Night Herons are being seen quite often.
Latham’s Snipe have always been a feature of this small wetland, and it has been good to watch them at length, feeding and behaving in a relaxed manner on the far shore. Again, this image is from the archives.
To the east of the wetland, in the centre of town lies Victoria Park, with its small ornamental lake and numerous facilities for public use.
Not perhaps a true wetland as we think of the term, but that hasn’t bothered a small number of Buff-banded Rails that have made themselves thoroughly at home here for several years, even crossing a busy road to forage in gardens of the neighbouring independent living complex. They can be difficult to approach closely due to disturbance by footpath traffic including dog walkers, but this shot was obtained by a family member, thanks M.
